3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION - Elk Grove

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3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
City of Elk Grove Franklin Boulevard Widening February 2006 Draft Environmental Impact Report
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3.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
Franklin Boulevard is a north/south roadway providing direct connection to downtown Sacramento. Franklin Boulevard currently operates as a three-lane facility with left turn lanes at the southbound intersections between Poppy Ridge Road and Elk Grove Boulevard. The east side of Franklin Boulevard has roadway lighting, widened pavement, curb and gutter, and improved drainage facilities. The west side includes a six-foot paved shoulder, dirt drainage ditch, and utility poles within the existing right-of-way. There is currently no curb and gutter on the entire west side of Franklin Boulevard in the project area. Signals have been installed at the Poppy Ridge Road, Blossom Ridge Drive, Percheron Drive, and Elk Grove Boulevard intersections with Franklin Boulevard. There are seven oak trees along the west side of Franklin Boulevard between the Laguna South Channel, North Drainage and Blossom Ridge Drive.
Elk Grove Boulevard is an east/west arterial connecting Interstate 5 in the west with Grant Line Road in the east. Elk Grove Boulevard has three westbound and two eastbound through lanes with a paved shoulder, curb and gutter and sidewalk on the north side from the Union Pacific Railroad overhead structure to Franklin Boulevard. Elk Grove Boulevard west of the UPRR overhead structure to Four Winds Drive is fully improved as above and striped for three lanes in each direction, but with the three eastbound lanes tapering to two eastbound lanes just west of the UPRR overhead structure. Under the project, some minor re-striping of the eastbound through lanes would be required just west of the overhead structure and on the structure itself to conform to the extra eastbound lane added east of the overhead structure. Decorative lights have been placed in the vicinity of their ultimate locations. The Union Pacific overhead structure does not have a separate raised sidewalk, although it was designed and built wide enough to accommodate a future sidewalk. A sidewalk on the Union Pacific overhead structure will not be constructed as part of the proposed project.
The City of Elk Grove General Plan and East Franklin Specific Plan (EFSP) designates land surrounding the proposed project site for urban use, except for the open space managed by Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge on the west side of Franklin Boulevard. The project segment of Franklin Boulevard borders the west side of the EFSP area, a mixed-use community planned for 2,474 acres, including over 4,100 approved or proposed single family residential units, medium and high density residential housing, 313,632 square feet of commercial space, and nine schools. Access to the EFSP development is primarily from Franklin Boulevard on the west, Elk Grove Boulevard on the north, and Bruceville Road on the east. Franklin Boulevard serves as the primary western arterial to Franklin High School and Toby Johnson Middle School on Poppy Ridge Drive, approximately one mile east of Franklin Boulevard. In addition, Elk Grove Boulevard serves as the major arterial from Interstate 5 to existing and planned development east of the EFSP, including downtown Elk Grove, the Elk Grove Automall, and the approved and permitted Laguna Ridge Specific Plan mixed-use community. The City anticipates rapid economic growth in the coming years from commercial office, retail, and other employment-generating uses. Consequently, the City is anticipated to undergo sustained growth through the year 2025.
The proposed project has been identified as traffic mitigation measures in the transportation and circulation elements of the East Franklin Specific Plan EIR and the Elk Grove General Plan EIR. The Franklin Boulevard bridge over the Laguna South Channel was widened previously to accommodate up to six lanes as part of the Laguna South Channel Improvements—East Franklin North Drainage project designed to implement drainage improvements as required by the County of Sacramento for the northern portion of the EFSP. This project was constructed in 2003 under US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Individual 404 Permit # 200100562 dated September 9, 2002. The portion of Elk Grove Boulevard in the project area was widened to five lanes by the County in 1997.
Franklin Boulevard Widening City of Elk Grove Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2006
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The City altered the project design and footprint on the west side of Franklin Boulevard after considering comments from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and ACOE to minimize potential effects to sensitive biological resources on that side of the road. Design changes included reducing road slope widths and bus turnout widths, relocating utility poles to the road bench instead of 15 feet west into the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (SLNWR), and relocating bus stops to minimize impacts to wetlands. The City has also reduced the width of widening on the south side of Elk Grove Boulevard by eliminating sidewalk and rerouting pedestrian traffic to the north side of Elk Grove Boulevard.
The estimated cost of the project, in its entirety, is approximately $5.6 million, and would be funded through the Elk Grove Roadway Fee Program. The expected start date for construction of the project is 2006.
3.2 PROJECT LOCATION
The Franklin Boulevard Widening Project (proposed project) site is located entirely within the City of Elk Grove (“City”) limits within Sacramento County. The project site is located in Section 5, Township 6 North, Range 5 East, Sacramento County, California, as shown on the Florin, California USGS Topographic Quadrangle. The project area is four miles west of the central commercial district of the City of Elk Grove. It is situated two miles east of Interstate 5 and four miles west of State Route 99 (see Figure 3.0-1, Regional Location Map, and Figure 3.0-2, Project Location Map).
Land east of Franklin Boulevard includes a Raley’s shopping center currently being constructed on the parcel on the southeastern corner of the Franklin Boulevard/Elk Grove Boulevard intersection, a partially landscaped corridor of land approximately 120 feet wide along the entire eastern side of Franklin Boulevard between the Laguna South Channel and Poppy Ridge Road, and an existing apartment complex on the southeastern corner of the Franklin Boulevard/ Poppy Ridge Road intersection. Single-family residential housing occurs east of the partially landscaped corridor on the east side of Franklin Boulevard, except for an undeveloped parcel zoned as commercial on the northeastern corner of the Franklin Boulevard/ Poppy Ridge Road intersection. Single-family residential housing is on the north side of Elk Grove Boulevard in the project area.
New right-of-way would be required from Laguna Stone Lake, LLC, a subsidiary of AKT Development Corporation, the property owner of parcel APN 132-0020-003, which is adjacent to the west side of the project. This 89-acre, undeveloped triangular parcel of land is bounded by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks on the West, Elk Grove Boulevard on the North, and Franklin Boulevard on the East. The property owner of this parcel has granted a perpetual Conservation Easement to the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (administered by the USFWS). The conservation easement was established to protect biological habitat created/restored as an element for mitigation for the Powers House and Elliott Ranch South residential developments in the project vicinity. Right-of-way acquisition for the land required to complete the proposed project (up to 38 feet encroachment on the south side of Elk Grove Boulevard, and up to 12 feet wide encroachment in areas along the west side of Franklin Boulevard) would involve USFWS transferring portions of their conservation easement to the City of Elk Grove. The project would require 0.79 acres of the conservation easement on along Elk Grove Boulevard and 0.43 acres along Franklin Boulevard.
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StocktonAntioch
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Figure 3.0-1 Regional Vicinity Map
City of Elk Grove Development Services
Source: ESRI, 2005
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Bilby
Source: ESRI, 2005; City of Elk Grove, 2005
Project Site
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3.3 PROJECT PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The proposed Franklin Boulevard Widening Project is outlined within the Circulation Element of the City of Elk Grove General Plan. The Guiding Goals of the General Plan as it relates to Transportation and Circulation are as follows:
• A high quality of life for all residents; • Protection of the natural environment; and • Preservation of the rural character of Elk Grove.
The intent of the Franklin Boulevard Widening Project is to fulfill the objectives of the General Plan by balancing the roadway capacity needs with measures that will minimize environmental impacts in the project area. The specific objectives of the Franklin Boulevard Widening Project are to:
• Provide adequate roadway and intersection level of service to accommodate future traffic anticipated in the area from planned and approved development under the General Plan;
• Provide more efficient access to residential and commercial developments and schools within the East Franklin Specific Plan area and surrounding areas in the City of Elk Grove;
• Provide for improved roadway and intersection safety; • Accommodate the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians; • Plan for future transit service; and • Provide more efficient access to residential and commercial developments and schools
within the East Franklin Specific Plan.
The proposed project, shown on Figures 3.0-3A and 3.0-3B, would widen a portion of Elk Grove Boulevard from five lanes to six lanes and a portion of Franklin Boulevard from three lanes to six lanes. Elk Grove Boulevard would be widened approximately 24 feet on the south side (eastbound) between the UPRR overcrossing and Franklin Boulevard, a distance of approximately 0.25 mile. Franklin Boulevard would be widened approximately 26 feet on the west side from its intersection with Elk Grove Boulevard south to approximately 80 feet south of Poppy Ridge Road, a distance of approximately 1.1 mile, to provide for a six lane arterial with median landscaping. The project would include new right-of-way to accommodate new free right-turn lanes on eastbound Elk Grove Boulevard and southbound Franklin Boulevard north of Laguna South Channel, North Drainage, and for portions of the Franklin Boulevard widening, including two bus turnouts, south of Laguna South Channel, North Drainage along the west side of Franklin Boulevard. The project would require 0.79 acres of the conservation easement on along Elk Grove Boulevard and 0.43 acres along Franklin Boulevard.
The proposed improvements to Elk Grove Boulevard would begin at the UPRR overhead structure and end at the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Elk Grove Boulevard. Some minor road re-striping would occur on the UPRR overhead structure and on the eastbound lanes of Elk Grove Boulevard west of the overhead structure to its intersection with Four Winds Drive.
The proposed improvements to Franklin Boulevard would begin at and include the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Elk Grove Boulevard, and extend to the south approximately 80 feet south of the Franklin Boulevard and Poppy Ridge Road intersection. The existing lanes on Franklin Boulevard would become the ultimate three northbound lanes, median, and one southbound lane, while two new southbound lanes and two bus turnouts added to the west side
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of the existing road. Seven existing oak trees on the west side of Franklin Boulevard would need to be removed, and an intermittent open earthen storm water drainage ditch running adjacent to most of the west side of existing Franklin Boulevard would be filled to accommodate the new southbound lanes and bus turnouts. If feasible, the City may install exclusionary netting in and around the Laguna South Channel, North Drainage culvert to discourage use by nesting and roosting animals. The project features are described below.
Roadways
Elk Grove Boulevard: The Elk Grove Boulevard widening would include an additional eastbound through lane and a four- to five-foot wide bike lane, as well as an approximately 300 foot long dedicated right turn lane onto southbound Franklin Boulevard. The UPRR overcrossing will only require re-striping, and not include any widening of the structure itself. The project would not require widening the base of the current engineered slope created by the County of Sacramento Public Works Department (County) as a ramp for Elk Grove Boulevard leading up to the UPRR overcrossing. The roadway portion of the Elk Grove Boulevard widening would include:
• Grading; • Pavement delineation; • Drainage modifications and installation; • New 4-5 foot wide bike lane; • Utility work; • Possible decorative lighting relocation; • Signal modification; • Signing; and • Construction traffic controls.
Franklin Boulevard: The Franklin Boulevard widening would include an additional three through lanes, a four-foot bike lane, and a three-foot curb/gutter on the southbound direction (west side). An auxiliary lane of approximately 280 feet in length would extend from the intersection of Elk Grove Boulevard in the southbound direction to receive traffic from the free right turn lane on eastbound Elk Grove Boulevard. Sidewalks on the west side would only be constructed at two bus turnout locations, one just south of Percheron Drive and one just north of Blossom Ridge Drive; and short segments between the crosswalks at the Percheron Drive and Blossom Ridge Drive intersections. The landscaped median would be 12 feet wide. The Franklin Boulevard widening would include:
• Grading; • Pavement delineation; • Drainage modifications and installation; • Signal modifications; • Lighting; • Median planting and irrigation; • Signing; • Utility relocation; and • Construction traffic control.
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Roadway Median
The Franklin Boulevard median would be a combination of landscaped islands and two-way left turn lanes, as designated by the traffic study. The signalized intersections would provide for U-turns.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) would relocate its utility poles along the west side of Franklin Boulevard on the new 3-foot wide bench behind the curb of the roadway, within the City’s existing right-of-way, instead of relocating the poles within SMUD’s 12.5 foot wide utility easement located within SLNWR’s boundary. SMUD would perform maintenance service on the utility poles from the roadway. Utility pole relocation is designed to minimize impacts to vernal pools, seasonal wetlands, and elderberry bushes to the maximum extent feasible.
Curb/Gutter and Drainage
Curb and gutter would be provided on the south side of Elk Grove Boulevard and on the west side of Franklin Boulevard. The proposed project will not alter the existing curb and gutter on the north side of Elk Grove Boulevard and east side of Franklin Boulevard.
The roadway storm water drainage system presently on the west side of Franklin Boulevard consists of an open earthen intermittent ditch that flows northward toward Laguna South Channel in the northern half of Franklin Boulevard, and southward into vernal pools in the southern half of Franklin Boulevard within the project area. The proposed project would fill this earthen intermittent drainage ditch and replace it with an underground storm water conveyance system consisting of curb and gutter along the new portion of the widened roadway with storm water catchment basins. The majority of storm water catchment basins on the west side of Franklin Boulevard would be routed across and under Franklin Boulevard to the existing underground storm water pipe system on the east side of the road, which, in turn, routes storm water either northward to an outfall into Laguna South Channel, North Drainage or southward to connect with the storm water system along Poppy Ridge Road. A short segment of the proposed underground storm water system on the west side of Franklin Boulevard closest to Laguna South Channel would route storm water directly into the west side of Laguna South Channel. Drainage for the new portion of Elk Grove Boulevard would tie into the existing underground storm water drainage system on Elk Grove Boulevard
Sidewalks/Pathways
To reduce the project impacts, no new sidewalks would be constructed on the south side of Elk Grove Boulevard. Pedestrian traffic would be routed by signage to use the north sidewalk on Elk Grove Boulevard between Four Winds Drive and Franklin Boulevard. Six-foot wide sidewalks on the west side of Franklin Boulevard would only be constructed at two bus turnout locations, one just south of Percheron Drive and one just north of Blossom Ridge Drive; and short segments between the crosswalks at the Percheron Drive and Blossom Ridge Drive intersections.
Landscaping
Landscaping consistent with the rural character of the area would be used in the median, including Valley Oak trees used as mitigation for the seven removed oak trees for the Franklin Boulevard widening. At this time it is expected that only native grasses and forbs will be planted outside of the paved areas of the widening along the embankment slopes. Mitigation oak trees may also be planted along the eastern edge of the SLNWR lands pursuant to approval from USFWS.
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Lighting
The City will use roadway lighting luminaries along the west side of Franklin Boulevard and the south side of Elk Grove Boulevard that will direct the majority of light (sodium-based) toward the roads and away from the SLNWR lands to reduce night time light impacts to wildlife. Current lighting luminaries along Elk Grove Boulevard may require relocation to the south to accommodate construction.
3.5 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
Project construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2006 and be completed in the fall of 2006.
3.6 REQUIRED PROJECT APPROVALS
In order for the project to be implemented, a series of actions and approvals would be required from agencies. Anticipated project approvals would include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Elk Grove City Council - Certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), adoption of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and other actions associated with project approval.
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service – Approve contract or agreement to transfer portions of its conservation easement on adjacent parcel APN # 132- 0020-003 to the City to construct proposed project. Through formal Section 7 consultation with ACOE, USFWS must issue a Biological Opinion regarding potential effects and mitigation for all federally listed species affected by the project, as presented in the City’s biological assessment included in the 404 permit package.
3.7 OTHER PROJECT ASSUMPTIONS
The EIR assumes compliance with all applicable State, Federal, and local codes and regulations including, but not limited to, City of Elk Grove Development Standards, the California Building Code, the Guidance Manual of On-site Storm Water Quality Control Measures, the State Health and Safety Code, and the State Public Resources Code. Additional permits may be required prior to beginning construction. These include:
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board – 401 Water Quality Certification;
• United States Army Corps of Engineers – Section 404 Individual Permit;
• State Water Resources Control Board – Notice of Intent to comply with the City of Elk Grove’s General storm Water Permit.
Proposed Project Layout
Laguna South Channel
Match Line
Bus Turnout
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Managed Parcel
0 500250 FeetSource: City of Elk Grove, 2004; Wood Rodgers, 2005; AirPhoto USA, 2004
Legend
Match Line
Bus Turnout
SLNWR - Managed Parcel
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0 500250 FeetSource: City of Elk Grove, 2004; Wood Rodgers, 2005; AirPhoto USA, 2004
Legend Existing City Right-of-Way
Proposed Edge of Construction
Proposed Curb and Median
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3.8 TECHNICAL STUDIES
Several technical studies were conducted as part of this EIR, including:
• Wetland Delineation Report, September 29, 2005 • Arborist Report, November 12, 2004 • Cultural Resources Report, January 2005 • Initial Site Assessment, Wallace Kuhl & Associates, Inc., • Air Quality Impact Evaluation, Donald Ballanti, • Noise Impact Analysis, ATS Consulting, LLC., • Traffic Operations Analysis, Wood Rodgers,
These technical studies are available for review weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the City of Elk Grove City Hall, 8400 Laguna Palms Way, Elk Grove, California 95758. Some of these reports are attached to the Draft EIR as appendices.
REFERENCES

Documents

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION - Elk Grove